The Game of Employees

Yes I’ve created a blog post about HR and Game of Thrones. Yes, it’s awesome, keep reading!

Ok let’s get down to it, I LOVE Game of Thrones. It took me a while to get into, I actually didn’t start watching it until like March of this year, I binged all seasons. This season has been … just … words can’t explain! While watching this past episode, I couldn’t help but think about how Game of Thrones has some great HR lessons. Actually, it’s more of a lesson for all executives, not just the HR department.

Queen Cersei – **personal note, I want her to go DOWN* Cersei is very strategic in her thinking, she’s grown in this position, she took what she needed, and destroys anyone who gets in her way. Cersei is the type of employee that could cause multiple problems in the workplace. When your employee only thinks of his or her self, are they really a team player? People have to look out for themselves, but when it gets to a point of destroying others, they no longer have a place in a team culture. We need to identify these people and help them evolve, or find a way out of the company.

Jamie – **personal note, he can burn too** Jamie is being pulled in few different directions, I’ve realized that Jamie is more of a follower than I think most people can see. Before losing his hand, Jamie knew he was the baddest around and no one could stop him, except Ceresi (eye-roll). Now Jamie is out to prove that he still has what it takes, however, he can’t help but have a soft spot his brother. It’s important that we uplift our team members, explore their leadership skills. Offering leadership classes, supervision roles, giving them the lead on a project, these are the type of activities companies can put in place to help their employees become leaders.

Jon Snow – ** As my twitter account states, if Jon dies, tables will be flipped HBO!!!** Jon doesn’t listen to others, he does what he believes is best for his team. This can be good and bad. He’s not as bad as Ceresi, by any means. I like to look at Jon as the employee that encourages the other leaders of the team to believe in their crew and give them a chance. Jon gave Dragon girl some great advice when she was trying to decide if she should ride out or not. But he also reminded her that HE is King and doesn’t need her permission *BOOM* Jon is the employee you can let lead, but giving them too much power could have bad consequences.

Daenerys – **I wanted her to win and sit on the throne, but now I’m leaning more towards Jon** Dragon girl is a little too much for her own good. She’s the employee that lets her recognition lead her. She wants to make sure you know who she is and what she brings to the table. Daenery’s first of her name blah blah blah … For me, I look at dragon girl as the know it all, who blames others when things go bad. This is the employee that will destroy a team and then cry to HR about how no one likes him/her, and never admits the wrong they’ve done.

Understanding your employees helps create the perfect team, but it’s even better when the employee understands what type of team player they are. Do you have these type of employees on your team? What are a few ways HR can help with team building skills to encourage leaders and team members to always bring their best?